The majority of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When processing results with particular activities, 75% were satisfied in a restaurant or on the phone, 78% were satisfied while in the grocery store, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for individuals who are less excited, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what others are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. That’s why people may be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed assistance finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people might think. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Hearing aids are developed to manage numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can likely make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting near you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body recognizes that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never trade the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who were patient and stuck with it were glad that they did. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the time and effort. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.